City to help fund new $11M soccer centre annex (with video)

Sherri Zickefoose, Calgary Herald12.13.2012

Renderings of the new annex to be built at the Calgary Subway Soccer Centre replacing the soccer dome that collapsed two years ago. The addition will add four indoor soccer fields to the centre, which lost three when the dome collapsed.Courtesy
/ Calgary Subway Soccer Centre

The roof on the addition at the Calgary Subway Soccer Centre collapsed on Nov. 22, 2010.Lorraine Hjalte
/ Calgary Herald

CALGARY — The city has agreed to finance a much-needed annex for Calgary’s biggest soccer centre, but it is seeking a new operator for the facility.

The remaining cost of the estimated $11 million needed to add four indoor soccer fields at the Subway Soccer Centre will cost the city $5.23 million. The remaining $5 million will come from a city-led financing strategy, which is already under development.

“Our goal is to build this annex as soon as possible to ensure people have a place to play soccer,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said Wednesday. “We have a responsibility to the players, parents, volunteers and coaches to move this project forward without any further delay — a sentiment echoed through the actions and efforts to date of the Calgary Soccer Federation.”

Since the southeast indoor soccer centre’s dome collapsed in November 2010, the Calgary Soccer Federation decided not to re-inflate it due to safety concerns.

Construction of the annex at 7000 48th St. S.E. is expected to take eight to 10 months from the start of construction.

The Subway Soccer Centre is a publicly- and community-funded city facility on city-owned land. It has been operated by the Calgary Soccer Federation for the past 20 years.

Officials say the city’s decision to fund the annex was based on community need and the challenges faced by the Calgary Soccer Federation to raise significant capital dollars.

The group has contributed $770,000, according to the city.

“The decision to fund the annex was thoughtful and considered,” said Ald. Gord Lowe, vice-chair of the priorities and finance committee. “The soccer community has waited two years for this facility to be reconstructed, and it is critical that the pent-up demand be addressed as soon as possible.”

Council is also seeking proposals from potential operators for a new licence of occupation for the soccer centre.

But in a letter to members on its website, the federation says: “We are concerned that if the Subway Soccer Centre is operated by another organization that the employment of our staff may not be guaranteed.”

It also voices concerns that members may lose the ability to be the primary facility user, and rental rates may increase.

“We will lose revenue to invest back into facilities and our soccer community.

“As a non-profit enterprise, the Calgary Soccer Federation’s aim is to build programs, not fortunes. We would like to continue to operate the Subway Soccer Centre for years to come.”

The funding decision is in accordance with best practices for procurement and will ensure that the city selects the most qualified operator for the facility, said Kurt Hanson, the city’s director of recreation.

“As directed by council, this licence will not be renewed. Upon expiry of the licence, the city will review the operation of the Calgary Soccer Centre to develop the terms of a procurement opportunity for an operator. The soccer community, including the Calgary Soccer Federation once it has completed its planned reorganization, is very welcome to apply.”

Discussions between the city and the Calgary Soccer Federation continue regarding an interim operating agreement allowing the federation to continue operating the centre until the end of the indoor soccer season.

“The city is committed to working with the Calgary Soccer Federation,” said Lowe.

“Our common goal is to ensure every scheduled game is played and there is no impact whatsoever on players and teams during the transition.”

In May 2011, the Calgary Soccer Federation reported that construction was expected to cost $6 million, of which the Calgary Soccer Federation would pay $3.07 million and seek $2.93 million from the city.

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